Party’s 1984 justice record contradicted by MPs’ tribute to accused

In a sharp statement, HS Phoolka, a senior BJP lawyer who has championed the cause of 1984 anti‑Sikh riot victims, condemned three BJP MPs for visiting the home of former MP Sajjan Kumar to offer condolences. He said the BJP has, from the outset, stood with the victims and demanded that the perpetrators be punished.

Phoolka cited the involvement of senior party figures such as Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad, who have appeared in courts on behalf of the victims. He also recalled his advisory role under former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana, which led to the reopening of several cases.

He reminded that the Nanavati Commission, set up during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, resulted in further action against Kumar and other accused, eventually leading to Kumar’s conviction. Even after the verdict, the BJP government opposed his bail and parole, with the then Home Minister’s orders and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta reinforcing the stance.

When questioned about personal ties, Phoolka rejected the justification, noting that many BJP leaders from the same region and community have never taken such a step. He warned that attending a public tribute for a convicted criminal sends a contradictory political message.